India, Russia hold meeting to bolster defence cooperation

India and Russia are making arrangements for an upcoming visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia, even Reuters has reported this. As per a diplomatic source PM Modi’s visit may take place from 8 Jul to 10 Jul. This will dispel all propaganda that India is eagerly waiting to shift its defence from Russia to other countries.

The Kremlin had previously announced in March that Modi had an outstanding invitation to visit Russia, confirming that a meeting between PM Modi and President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to take place.

The visit will strengthen both India and Russia positions as two Poles of a four pole multipolar world. The meet is likely to speed up the transfer of remaining batteries of S400 air space defence missile systems. Also early handing over of the two frigates now in its final stages of trials.

Overall India is reducing its defence imports and increasing its defence exports. We are slowly filling all the critical gaps through our indigenous systems. However to meet certain critical shortages in numbers, may be Indi still needs to obtain 3 to 6 Squadrons of Sukhoi57 MKIs through direct import or make in India. Similar is the need to go in for at least six submarines through a combination of direct import and make in India.

For ironing out all the above, the third India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) Sub-Working Group meeting was held in the national capital to further enhance defence cooperation and joint exercises between the two nations. The two-day meeting was held on June 26-27, with the Indian Army and Russia’s Land Forces participating in it.

The meeting focused on defence cooperation, military training, military education and joint exercises between the two Armies.